The Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services have announced an order to stop residential evictions as a way to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The moratorium is expected to last through the end of the year, unless it’s extended.
Sally Stang, director of Wichita’s Housing and Community Services department, said it’s estimated that nearly 20 percent of all renters would be facing eviction because of the pandemic, and that would be catastrophic to the community. She said emergency rent assistance will be needed to help stabilize not only tenants but also landlords.
Tenants who are unable to pay rent or utilities in full should contact the Center of Hope, Salvation Army or the city’s Emergency Assistance Program.
The waitlist is open for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and applications are being accepted from residents who need assistance for rent or housing. The program provides rent assistance to income-eligible families. The program includes all of Sedgwick and Butler counties and Harvey County outside the city of Newton. The applications are available at https://wichita.apply4housing.com The Public Housing waitlist is currently closed.
